Want to cancel your tour after the Belgium terror attacks? Tourism Bureau: Refunds will follow red alert guidelines

▲Terror attack explosions occurred in Belgium. (Photo / Darzz Imagery / AP)

Reported by reporter Lai Wen-xuan / Taipei

On the 22nd, explosions occurred at Brussels Airport and in the metro in Belgium. On the 23rd, all passengers from four Taiwanese tour groups in Belgium were safe. The Tourism Bureau has instructed travel agencies to immediately report and ensure passenger safety, while avoiding areas affected by the attacks. Affected by the terror attacks, if travelers wish to cancel their tours, after coordination by relevant authorities, refunds will follow red alert guidelines, allowing travelers to receive the remaining amount after deducting necessary expenses.

▲Explosions at Brussels Airport (Brussels) in Belgium killed nearly 30 people. (Photo / from The Telegraph / Serge Massart Twitter)

The Taiwanese tour groups in Belgium on the 23rd included one group (31 people) from Galilee Travel Agency, two groups (45 people) from Southeast Travel Agency, and one group (21 people) from Kangfu Travel Agency, totaling four groups and 97 people. Currently, all passengers are safe. The Tourism Bureau has instructed the organizing travel agencies to immediately report and monitor passenger safety conditions, notify tour leaders to avoid attack-affected areas, and in case of emergencies, promptly contact the local overseas office in the area for necessary assistance.

▲Mourners in the streets of Belgium pay tribute to the victims. (Photo / Darzz Imagery / AP)

Affected by the terror attacks, many travelers planning to visit Europe have hesitated. Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet designated Belgium as a red alert travel zone that is not suitable for travel, the Tourism Bureau will relax the criteria leniently and follow red alert refund guidelines. Regarding the principles for handling pre-trip cancellations and refunds, the Tourism Bureau, after consulting with the Executive Yuan’s Consumer Protection Committee, the Travel Agent Association’s National Federation, and the Quality Assurance Association, will process refunds according to Article 28-1 of the Standardized Overseas Travel Contract (i.e., after deducting fees, necessary expenses, and administrative overhead costs not exceeding 5% of the tour fee, the remaining amount shall be refunded to the traveler). If there is any dispute between the traveler and the travel agency, they may file for case-by-case mediation with the Tourism Bureau or the Quality Assurance Association.